The purpose of the Encourager program is for followers of Jesus, known as “Encouragers,” to develop a one-on-one, adult to student, friendship with a child from the Little Rock, North Little Rock, or Pulaski County school district. Through this relationship, we hope to motivate the student to consistently show improvement in attitude, self-confidence, behavior and, although the program is not necessarily academically driven, academics.
Encouragers commit to meeting once a week from October through April at their selected school on the designated day and time. Teachers select students in need and identify an area of focus. With the guidance of a Facilitator, the Encouragers spend thirty minutes with each child, working with teacher-provided classroom materials. Encouragers are also trained to understand the socioeconomic dynamics of our society and to be a non-judgmental friend who cares and looks to build on positives. The philosophy behind this program is simply that a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult can and will make a positive difference in the life of an at-risk child.
For more information, contact the Encourager Coordinator:
Joe Murawski, joe@stepministries.org
